Lands End at Low Tide

The Lands End Lookout parking lot at 680 Point Lobos Ave — free but limited, expect ten minutes of circling on weekends. Behind the Lookout, the trail hugs cliffs above basalt where the Pacific hits granite with intent. Gulls wheel. The Golden Gate Bridge peeks through fog. Kelp and salt stick to your scarf.

At low tide, the Sutro Baths ruins reveal more of their Victorian swimming-pool foundations — concrete filled with seawater and sky. The tide pools near Mile Rock Beach glitter with crabs and starfish. At high tide the waves hammer the breakwater in a white thunderous choir that makes your chest hum.

Late spring or early fall. March through May brings blossoms and longer light. September clears the fog and gifts jewel-toned skies. The trail is about 2.5 miles, easy to moderate, boardwalk and stairs. Layers essential — fog materializes in minutes.